JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 for Session 2: Questions, Marks & Structure

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 outlines the structure, total marks, and question distribution for all papers conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). With JEE Main 2026 Session 2 scheduled to be held from 1 April to 10 April 2026, understanding the latest exam pattern is important for aspirants appearing in the April attempt and those aiming to improve their scores from the January session. 

Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) carries a total of 300 marks with 75 questions, while Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan) carry 400 marks each. The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Each paper is divided into Section A, consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and Section B, which includes compulsory numerical value questions. 

Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers, making accuracy and smart attempt strategy extremely important during the examination. A clear understanding of the JEE Main 2026 exam pattern helps candidates plan time management, section-wise attempts, and scoring strategy effectively for Session 2.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

JEE Main 2026 is designed to test candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. How many questions in JEE Mains is often asked by aspirants — Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) has 75 questions in total.

The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 features three papers - Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan), with a clear paper-wise structure of total marks and total questions. The exam is conducted mainly in CBT mode with MCQs, compulsory numerical questions, and negative marking.

How Many Questions Are There in JEE Mains? (Paper-Wise)

Many also wonder about the JEE Mains total marks, which are 300, with +4 for correct answers and −1 for wrong ones. The total marks of JEE Mains reflect overall performance across all sections. If you’re curious about how many questions are there in JEE Mains, each subject includes multiple-choice and numerical questions, carefully balanced for difficulty. This paper-wise structure clearly answers common queries like how many questions are there in JEE Mains and jee mains total questions.

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 75 questions

• Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions

• Paper 2B (B.Plan): 100 questions

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)

Paper 1 is conducted for admission to B.E./B.Tech programmes. It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with equal weightage. The exam consists of 75 questions carrying a total of 300 marks.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)

Paper 2 is divided into Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan). Both papers follow a CBT format, except the Drawing Test in B.Arch, which is conducted offline.

Paper 2A - B.Arch

• Total Questions: 77

• Total Marks: 400

• Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test

Paper 2B - B.Plan

• Total Questions: 100

• Total Marks: 400

• Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning

Subject-Wise Question Distribution in JEE Main 2026

This section answers subject-wise marks and total number of questions in JEE Mains for each paper.

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-1 (B.Tech)

NTA is conducting Paper 1 of JEE Main for B.Tech admissions. It contains a total of 75 questions. You can refer to the table below for an overview of the expected number of questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech). 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2A (B.Arch)

JEE Main Paper-2A is to be carried out by the NTA for admissions to B.Arch, will consist of approximately 77 questions in total. The paper would examine the candidates on Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing in general. If you wish, you can go through the provided table for a better sectional question breakup of what is expected in it. 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2B (B.Plan)

NTA has announced that JEE Main Paper 2B, conducted for admission to the B.Planning course, will consist of approximately 100 questions. These questions are expected to be divided among three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning. The table below provides an estimated subject-wise distribution of questions.

Marking Scheme in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

The JEE marking scheme is uniform across papers, except for the Drawing Test. Understanding the marking scheme of JEE Mains helps candidates avoid unnecessary negative marking.

• Correct Answer: +4 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark

• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

• Negative marking applies to MCQs and Numerical Value Questions

• The Drawing Test is evaluated separately out of 100 marks

JEE Main Exam Mode and Language Options

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Drawing Test (B.Arch): Pen & Paper mode

Available Languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu

Changes in JEE Main Exam Pattern from the Previous Year

NTA introduced key changes in Section B starting from 2025, which continue for JEE Main 2026:

• Only 5 numerical value questions per subject
• All questions are compulsory
• No internal choice

This change applies to Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B.